EU CPR fire performance updates
New rules now in force clarify declaration of reaction to fire and structural fire resistance of EU construction products. EU 2026/557, on fire resistance (maintenance of structural integrity and function), entered into force on 23rd June 2026 and EU 2026/331, on reaction to fire, entered into force on 11th May 2026. These are the first two steps in the definition of key horizontal characteristics intended by the revised Construction Products Regulation EU 2024/3110 (see pinfa Newsletter n°170). 2026/557 maintains continuity with the previous 305/211, so minimising industry and regulatory disruption. The tests were already in place, but are now harmonised, preventing the use of older or different national tests. These regulations provide the basis for EU harmonised declaration of product fire safety characteristics, under the CPR, so will contribute to legal certainty, market clarification and standardisation across Europe. Reaction-to-fire classification requires flame retardant use in many materials, and the CPR’s performance-based approach will enable innovation in PIN flame retardant solutions.
Commission Delegated Regulation 2026/331 of 13 February 2026 “supplementing Regulation (EU) 2024/3110 of the European Parliament and of the Council by determining classes of performance in relation to the essential characteristic reaction to fire” https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/ES/TXT/PDF/?uri=OJ:L_202600331
Commission Delegated Regulation 2026/557 of 16 March 2026 “supplementing Regulation (EU) 2024/3110 of the European Parliament and of the Council by determining classes of performance in relation to the essential characteristic resistance to fire” https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/ES/TXT/PDF/?uri=OJ:L_202600557
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